Reducing Barriers to Post-9/11 Veterans’ Use of Programs and Services as They Transition to Civilian Life

Abstract Background - Numerous programs exist to support veterans in their transitions to civilian life. Programs are offered by a host of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Veterans report encountering many barriers to program participation. This was the first study to identify barrier reduction strategies offered by programs that post-9/11 veterans report using, determine which strategies veterans use and value, and to examine veteran characteristics that impact their odds of using programs that offer barrier reduction strategies. Method - This study reflects findings from the first wave of data collection of The Veterans Metrics Initiative, a longitudinal study examining the military-to-civilian reintegration of post-9/11 veterans. Veterans were asked to indicate which programs they had used. The websites of these programs were coded for the barrier reduction components. Veterans also indicated which barrier reduction components they found most helpful in meeting their reintegration goals. Results - Of 9,566 veterans who participated in Wave 1 data collection, 84% reported using a program that offered at least one barrier reduction component. Barrier reduction components included tangible supports (e.g., scholarships, cash), increased access to programs, decreased stigma, and encouraged motivation to change. Although only 4% of programs that were used by veterans focused on helping them obtain Veterans Administration benefits, nearly 60% of veterans reported that this component was helpful in reaching their goals. Access assistance to other resources and supports was also reported as a helpful barrier reduction component. For instance, approximately 20% of veterans nominated programs that offered transportation. The study also found evidence of a misalignment between the kinds of barrier reduction components veterans valued and those which programs offered. Veterans from the most junior enlisted ranks, who are at most risk, were less likely than those from other ranks to use barrier reduction components. Conclusions – Despite the evidence that barrier reduction components enhance access to programs and contribute to program sustainability, many programs used by post-9/11 veterans do not offer them. There is also a misalignment between the barrier reduction strategies veterans value and the strategies offered by programs. Veteran serving organizations should increasingly implement barrier reduction strategies that veterans value.

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Reducing Barriers to Post-9/11 Veterans’ Use of Programs and Services as They Transition to Civilian Life

10.21203/rs.2.12289/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nicole R. Morgan ◽

Keith R. Aronson ◽

Daniel F. Perkins ◽

Julia A. Bleser ◽

Katie Davenport ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Data Collection ◽

Veterans Administration ◽

Program Sustainability ◽

Program Participation ◽

Motivation To Change ◽

Civilian Life ◽

Reduction Strategies ◽

Transition To Civilian Life ◽

The Military

Abstract Background - Numerous programs exist to support veterans in their transitions to civilian life. Programs are offered by a host of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Veterans report encountering many barriers to program participation. This was the first study to identify barrier reduction strategies offered by programs that post-9/11 veterans report using, determine which strategies veterans use and value, and to examine veteran characteristics that impact their odds of using programs that offer barrier reduction strategies. Method - This study reflects findings from the first wave of data collection of The Veterans Metrics Initiative, a longitudinal study examining the military-to-civilian reintegration of post-9/11 veterans. Veterans were asked to indicate which programs they had used. The websites of these programs were coded for the barrier reduction components. Veterans also indicated which barrier reduction components they found most helpful in meeting their reintegration goals. Results - Of 9,566 veterans who participated in Wave 1 data collection, 84% reported using a program that offered at least one barrier reduction component. Barrier reduction components included tangible supports (e.g., scholarships, cash), increased access to programs, decreased stigma, and encouraged motivation to change. Although only 4% of programs that were used by veterans focused on helping them obtain Veterans Administration benefits, nearly 60% of veterans reported that this component was helpful in reaching their goals. Access assistance to other resources and supports was also reported as a helpful barrier reduction component. For instance, approximately 20% of veterans nominated programs that offered transportation. The study also found evidence of a misalignment between the kinds of barrier reduction components veterans valued and those which programs offered. Veterans from the most junior enlisted ranks, who are at most risk, were less likely than those from other ranks to use barrier reduction components. Conclusions – Despite the evidence that barrier reduction components enhance access to programs and contribute to program sustainability, many programs used by post-9/11 veterans do not offer them. There is also a misalignment between the barrier reduction strategies veterans value and the strategies offered by programs. Veteran serving organizations should increasingly implement barrier reduction strategies that veterans value.

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Reducing Barriers to Post-9/11 Veterans’ Use of Programs and Services as They Transition to Civilian Life

10.21203/rs.2.12289/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nicole R. Morgan ◽

Keith R. Aronson ◽

Daniel F. Perkins ◽

Julia A. Bleser ◽

Katie Davenport ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Data Collection ◽

Veterans Administration ◽

Program Sustainability ◽

Program Participation ◽

Motivation To Change ◽

Civilian Life ◽

Reduction Strategies ◽

Transition To Civilian Life ◽

The Military

Abstract Background - Numerous programs exist to support veterans in their transitions to civilian life. Programs are offered by a host of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Veterans report encountering many barriers to program participation. This was the first study to identify barrier reduction strategies offered by programs that post-9/11 veterans report using, determine which strategies veterans use and value, and to examine veteran characteristics that impact their odds of using programs that offer barrier reduction strategies. Method - This study reflects findings from the first wave of data collection of The Veterans Metrics Initiative, a longitudinal study examining the military-to-civilian reintegration of post-9/11 veterans. Veterans were asked to indicate which programs they had used. The websites of these programs were coded for the barrier reduction components. Veterans also indicated which barrier reduction components they found most helpful in meeting their reintegration goals. Results - Of 9,566 veterans who participated in Wave 1 data collection, 84% reported using a program that offered at least one barrier reduction component. Barrier reduction components included tangible supports (e.g., scholarships, cash), increased access to programs, decreased stigma, and encouraged motivation to change. Although only 4% of programs that were used by veterans focused on helping them obtain Veterans Administration benefits, nearly 60% of veterans reported that this component was helpful in reaching their goals. Access assistance to other resources and supports was also reported as a helpful barrier reduction component. For instance, approximately 20% of veterans nominated programs that offered transportation. The study also found evidence of a misalignment between the kinds of barrier reduction components veterans valued and those which programs offered. Veterans from the most junior enlisted ranks, who are at most risk, were less likely than those from other ranks to use barrier reduction components. Conclusions – Despite the evidence that barrier reduction components enhance access to programs and contribute to program sustainability, many programs used by post-9/11 veterans do not offer them. There is also a misalignment between the barrier reduction strategies veterans value and the strategies offered by programs. Veteran serving organizations should increasingly implement barrier reduction strategies that veterans value.

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Reducing Barriers to Post-9/11 Veterans’ Use of Programs and Servicesas They Transition to Civilian Life

10.21203/rs.2.12289/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nicole R. Morgan ◽

Keith R. Aronson ◽

Daniel F. Perkins ◽

Julia A. Bleser ◽

Katie Davenport ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Data Collection ◽

Veterans Administration ◽

Future Research ◽

Program Sustainability ◽

Program Participation ◽

Motivation To Change ◽

Civilian Life ◽

Reduction Strategies ◽

The Military

Abstract Background - Numerous programs exist to support veterans in their transitions to civilian life. Programs are offered by a host of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Veterans report encountering many barriers to program participation. This study identified barrier reduction strategies offered by programs that new post-9/11 veterans reported using, determined which strategies veterans use and value, and examined veteran characteristics that impact their odds of using programs that offer barrier reduction strategies. Method - This study reflects findings from the first wave of data collection of The Veterans Metrics Initiative (TVMI) , a longitudinal study examining the military-to-civilian reintegration of new post-9/11 veterans. The websites of programs used by respondents were coded for barrier reduction components. Veterans also indicated which barrier reduction components they found most helpful in meeting their reintegration goals. Results - Of 9,566 veterans who participated in Wave 1 data collection, 84% reported using a program that offered at least one barrier reduction component. Barrier reduction components included tangible supports (e.g., scholarships, cash), increased access to programs, decreased stigma, and encouraged motivation to change. Although only 4% of programs that were used by veterans focused on helping them obtain Veterans Administration benefits, nearly 60% of veterans reported that this component was helpful in reaching their goals. Access assistance to other resources and supports was also reported as a helpful barrier reduction component. For instance, approximately 20% of veterans nominated programs that offered transportation. The study also found evidence of a misalignment between the kinds of barrier reduction components veterans valued and those which programs offered. Veterans from the most junior enlisted ranks, who are at most risk, were less likely than those from other ranks to use barrier reduction components. Study limitations and ideas for future research are discussed.Conclusions – Despite the evidence that barrier reduction components enhance access to programs and contribute to program sustainability, many programs used by post-9/11 veterans do not offer them. There was also a misalignment between the barrier reduction strategies that veterans value and the strategies offered by programs. Veteran serving organizations should increasingly implement barrier reduction strategies valued by veterans.

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Awareness and Availment of Pension Benefits of Military Pensioners in Bacolod City

Philippine Social Science Journal ◽

10.52006/main.v3i2.284 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 161-162

Author(s):

Febe Anne F. Montaño ◽

Romeo R. Tinagan

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Financial Distress ◽

Military Service ◽

Action Plan ◽

Financial Security ◽

Civilian Life ◽

Transition To Civilian Life ◽

Pension Benefits ◽

The Military

Pension is a necessity and a vital investment to ensure financial security after retirement. Primary pensioners need to transition to civilian life and the surviving spouses of deceased veterans facing widowhood. Maximizing the availment of pension benefits will alleviate the financial distress of military pensioners and promote life satisfaction after many years in the military service. The study was conducted to determine the awareness and availment of the pension benefits of military pensioners and the challenges they have encountered in availing of these benefits. The findings of this study were utilized to prepare an action plan to cater better to the concerns of primary pensioners and surviving spouse beneficiaries.

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Informed Consent in the Military: Fighting a Losing Battle Against the Anthrax Vaccine

American Journal of Law & Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0098858800011692 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 28 (2-3) ◽

pp. 325-343

Author(s):

Ruth K. Miller

Keyword(s):

Informed Consent ◽

Service Member ◽

Individual Choice ◽

Civilian Life ◽

Medical Treatments ◽

Employment History ◽

Receive Treatment ◽

The Right ◽

The Military ◽

To Receive

In civilian life, an individual has the right to refuse medical treatment in almost any circumstance. While a patient who refuses treatment may face adverse consequences such as prolonged illness, our society recognizes the importance of individual choice in health matters. Members of the military, however, enjoy no such right. Service members are required to submit to certain medical treatments as a part of their employment contract. Refusing such treatments is disobeying an order, and the service member then faces the prospect of a dishonorable or “other than honorable” discharge, and even imprisonment. Disobeying an order to receive treatment can thus result in the equivalent of a felony conviction on the individual's employment history forever.

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Sexual Assault While in the Military: Violence as a Predictor of Cardiac Risk?

Violence and Victims ◽

10.1891/vivi.2003.18.2.219 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 219-225 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Susan M. Frayne ◽

Katherine M. Skinner ◽

Lisa M. Sullivan ◽

Karen M. Freund

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Women Veterans ◽

Cardiac Risk ◽

Veterans Administration ◽

Cardiac Risk Factors ◽

Military Violence ◽

Problem Alcohol Use ◽

History Of ◽

The Military

The purpose of this article is to determine whether known cardiac risk factors are more prevalent among women veterans who report having sustained sexual assault while in the military. We surveyed a random sample of 3,632 women veterans using Veterans Administration (VA) ambulatory care nationally. Obesity, smoking, problem alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, and hysterectomy before age 40 were found to be more common in women reporting a history of sexual assault while in the military than in women without such history. An association between myocardial infarction and prior sexual assault history may be mediated in part by known cardiac risk factors.

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“The British Soldier is no Bolshevik”: The British Army, Discipline, and the Demobilization Strikes of 1919

Twentieth Century British History ◽

10.1093/tcbh/hwy044 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 321-346 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

William Butler

Keyword(s):

Armed Forces ◽

British Army ◽

Political Climate ◽

Civilian Life ◽

Daily Mail ◽

Winston Churchill ◽

The Press ◽

The Government ◽

Post War ◽

The Military

Abstract This article considers the breakdown in discipline in the British Army which occurred in Britain and on the Western Front during the process of demobilization at the end of the First World War. Many soldiers, retained in the army immediately after the Armistice, went on strike, and some formed elected committees, demanding their swifter return to civilian life. Their perception was that the existing demobilization system was unjust, and men were soon organized by those more politically conscious members of the armed forces who had enlisted for the duration of the war. At one stage in January 1919, over 50,000 soldiers were out on strike, a fact that was of great concern to the British civilian and military authorities who miscalculated the risk posed by soldiers. Spurred on by many elements of the press, especially the Daily Mail and Daily Herald, who both fanned and dampened the flames of discontent, soldiers’ discipline broke down, demonstrating that the patriotism which had for so long kept them in line could only extend so far. Though senior members of the government, principally Winston Churchill, and the military, especially Douglas Haig and Henry Wilson, were genuinely concerned that Bolshevism had ‘infected’ the army, or, at the very least, the army had been unionized, their fears were not realized. The article examines the government’s strategy regarding demobilization, its efforts to assess the risk of politicization and manage the press, and its responses to these waves of strikes, arguing that, essentially, these soldiers were civilians first and simply wanted to return home, though, in the post-war political climate, government fears were very real.

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Māori whānau talk about whānau success: Findings from Round 1 of Ngā Tau Tuangahuru—the Māori and Pacific Education Initiative (MPEI) longitudinal study

10.18296/em.0062 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-29

Author(s):

Fiona Cram ◽

Tanya Samu ◽

Reremoana Theodore ◽

Rachael Trotman

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Young People ◽

Data Collection ◽

Extracurricular Activities ◽

Educational Achievement ◽

Educational Success ◽

The Future ◽

Main Barrier ◽

Education Initiative

From 2009 to 2014 Foundation North, a philanthropic trust serving Auckland and Northland, funded a Māori and Pacific Education Initiative (MPEI) designed to facilitate Māori and Pacific students’ educational achievement. The longitudinal study, Ngā Tau Tuangahuru, described here was funded in late 2014 to explore what happened next for families and students who had been involved in MPEI initiatives, with a focus on family success and student educational success. The first data collection round of this study took place in 2017, and 69 families were interviewed. This article examines what the 35 Māori whānau (56 individuals) said about family success and about supporting the success of young people in their whānau. For many whānau, success embodied happiness, collective wellbeing, and good whānau relationships, alongside education and having a plan for the future. This success was most often hampered by financial restrictions. Whānau wanted young people to be achieving in education, working hard, and engaged in extracurricular activities. Getting distracted by outside influences (e.g., social media) was seen as the main barrier to young people’s success. Implications from this study for the evaluation of initiatives designed to support whānau success are presented.

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Twenty Years of Data Linkage in The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v5i5.1500 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Colleen Loos ◽

Gita Mishra ◽

Annette Dobson ◽

Leigh Tooth

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Data Collection ◽

Women’S Health ◽

Women's Health ◽

Linked Data ◽

Data Linkage ◽

Data Access ◽

National Study ◽

Australian Longitudinal Study ◽

Data Collections

IntroductionLinked health record collections, when combined with large longitudinal surveys, are a rich research resource to inform policy development and clinical practice across multiple sectors. Objectives and ApproachThe Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) is a national study of over 57,000 women in four cohorts. Survey data collection commenced in 1996. Over the past 20 years, ALSWH has also established an extensive data linkage program. The aim of this poster is to provide an overview of ALSWH’s program of regularly up-dated linked data collections for use in parallel with on-going surveys, and to demonstrate how data are made widely available to research collaborators. ResultsALSWH surveys collect information on health conditions, ageing, reproductive characteristics, access to health services, lifestyle, and socio-demographic factors. Regularly updated linked national and state administrative data collections add information on health events, health outcomes, diagnoses, treatments, and patterns of service use. ALSWH’s national linked data collections, include Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the National Death Index, the Australian Cancer Database, and the National Aged Care Data Collection. State and Territory hospital collections include Admitted Patients, Emergency Department and Perinatal Data. There are also substudies, such as the Mothers and their Children’s Health Study (MatCH), which involves linkage to children’s educational records. ALSWH has an internal Data Access Committee along with systems and protocols to facilitate collaborative multi-sectoral research using de-identified linked data. Conclusion / ImplicationsAs a large scale Australian longitudinal multi-jurisdictional data linkage and sharing program, ALSWH is a useful model for anyone planning similar research.

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